Borken: Discover Water, Nature and History
Accommodation in Borken
Borken combines experiences in nature with water, cycling routes and a rich urban history. The town lies in the western Münsterland and is nestled in the Hohe Mark Nature Park. When planning your trip, you can choose from a range of activities: spending time at Lake Pröbsting, exploring the town’s districts and surrounding countryside, or discovering the history of Borken and Gemen. Which holiday apartment in Borken is right for your trip depends above all on which of these experiences interest you most.
Nature and water at Lake Pröbsting
A sandy rise in the “Die Berge” nature reserve, also known as “Fliegerberg”, offers another side of Borken’s landscape. Natural trails lead through the area. On the north side of Lake Pröbsting, winding, nature-rich woodland paths run through Pröbstinger Busch; on a walk, you can enjoy views across the dammed Aa. If you would rather spend time on the water, the lake offers opportunities for kayaking, pedal boating, paddling, rowing and sailing. A sandy beach and a sunbathing lawn invite you to play and swim.
The Planet Trail also offers a unique way to experience Lake Pröbsting: on foot, it presents a model of the solar system at a scale of 1:1 billion. The planets are arranged around the lake, as far as the Josef Bresser Observatory. When planning your day, you can choose between woodland paths, water activities and this scale model view of the solar system.
Explore by bike and at your own pace
Borken Tourist Information has developed circular cycling routes that pass the town’s sights, travel through its districts and take in scenic spots. The “Borken – Town, Country, River” route goes through Borken and its associated districts, including Marbeck, Ramsdorf, Gemen, Weseke, Burlo, Borkenwirthe and Hoxfeld. This makes various districts, as well as the town itself, possible destinations for a cycling tour.
For historic buildings, there is a walking tour you can explore at your own pace; children can also take part in a town rally. Five of Borken’s former town towers have survived. The Diebesturm served as the official town prison from 1815 to 1908. In the district of Gemen, the “Haus Grave” farmhouse shows what rural life in Borken was like around 200 years ago.
The history of Gemen and FARB
Gemen Water Castle was built more than 900 years ago and stands on two islands in the former marshland of the Bocholter Aa. Since 1946, the Diocese of Münster has operated the castle as a youth education centre under the name “Jugendburg Gemen”. The “Speicher” at FARB also focuses on local history: around 140 objects relating to Borken’s history are preserved there. The digital museum guide lets you explore objects, events and people from Borken through 360° views, videos, sounds, texts and photos.
Market days and getting around
Borken’s weekly market takes place every Thursday morning in the market square. The after-work market is also held there on Thursdays: it starts at 3 pm and runs until about 7 or 8 pm. Visitors can sample Borken specialities and buy fresh produce from Borken farmers. Another market is the Krammarkt in the town centre, held once a month on the second Tuesday, from 7:30 am to 1 pm.
The Tourist Information Centre at FARB offers advice before and during your stay, sells cycling maps and event tickets, and rents out bicycles and cargo bikes. It also arranges accommodation. Borken can be reached by train, bus, bicycle and car; these modes of transport are also available for getting around the county town. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can use your travel interests as a guide: the lake and outdoor activities, cycling, historical discoveries or a visit on one of the market days each give your time in Borken a different focus.
Go to the main travel overview: Borken.
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